WVU School of Dentistry Holds Annual 'Give Kids a Smile Day' Event

West Virginia University's School of dentistry got more than 100 kids in the dentist chair Friday as part of "Give Kids a Smile" Day.

The annual event is sponsored nationally by the American Dental Association.

For the 10th year, The WVU Pediatric clinic offered free cleanings and exams to kids.

A WVU dentist said teaching parents about oral health is as important as teaching the kids what to do.

"There is something called anticipatory guidance that's part of pediatric dentistry. It's very important to educate the parents in what to expect, when the teeth are going to come in, what they're going to look like, and how to take care of them at these various stages, and of course the diet, stay away from sugar," said Dr. Mike Bagby, of the WVU Dental Clinic.

The dental clinic recommends children see a dentist by the time they are 1-year-old.